Tributes paid to Hamda Taryam as fans hail her ‘everlasting’ legacy
Tributes have been paid to philanthropist and drag racing star Hamda Taryam, who died on Saturday.
Ms Taryam, 24, was a trailblazer in UAE motorsports and featured in the Netflix show The Fastest.
At the age of 21, she founded the Hamda Foundation, through which she helped to build wells, a school and a hospital for orphans in the southern Ugandan town of Masaka.
The news of her death led to tributes from supporters across social media.
Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi was among the first to pay respects.
“Giving will never die. May God have mercy and forgiveness on her and give patience to her family,” Al Jassmi said.
Emirati singer and actress Balqees Ahmed also paid tribute to Ms Taryam.
“May God have mercy on her soul. Her death is a tragedy. I didn’t know her personally, but I loved her due to her simplicity, and her charitable and humanitarian work in Africa,” Ahmed said.
Ms Taryam used the help of sponsors and acquaintances she met during her motorsports career to fund her philanthropic work in Africa.
She helped to build a well in Masaka in her mother’s name, and a classroom at the town’s school, named after her father.
Emirati personality Hassan Sajwani also paid tribute to Ms Taryam. “Rest in peace Hamda Taryam. Thank you for all you did for humanity,” he said. “We lost a young Emirati philanthropist. What a remarkable and everlasting impression you left for us. God bless your soul.”
Before Emirati Women’s Day last year, Ms Taryam told The National how important it was for women to show solidarity with each other.
“Women who reach a specific position have to support each other because this is something that will show other women that people are there to support you,” she said.
The cause of her death was not revealed by authorities.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, on Sunday, announced that a Dh1 million donation would be made to support the completion of projects in Uganda by the Hamda Foundation.
The pledge will be made through the Sharjah Charity Association.